Candy Cane Christmas Tree Cupcakes

These delightful Candy Cane Christmas Tree Cupcakes are a perfect treat for the holiday season. The combination of peppermint-infused cake, colorful layers, and crushed candy canes make them a festive and delicious addition to your Christmas dessert table.

Ingredients:

• 1 box of white cake mix
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• Red food coloring
• Green food coloring
• 12 candy canes
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Red and green sprinkles

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350F 175C and line a cupcake pan with paper liners

In a mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and peppermint extract

Mix until well combined

Divide the batter into two equal parts

Add red food coloring to one half and green food coloring to the other half until you achieve desired colors

Fill each cupcake liner with a spoonful of green batter followed by a spoonful of red batter, creating a layered effect

Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean

Let them cool completely on a wire rack

While the cupcakes are cooling, carefully crush the candy canes into small pieces using a food processor or a plastic bag and rolling pin

In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy

Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until you have a smooth and fluffy frosting

Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, frost them with the prepared buttercream frosting using a piping bag or a knife

Sprinkle the crushed candy canes on top of each cupcake to resemble Christmas tree ornaments

Finally, add some red and green sprinkles for extra festive flair

Your Candy Cane Christmas Tree Cupcakes are ready to be enjoyed